Obit: Mathison, Gerhard "Gib" (1919 - 2007)

Contact:  Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Mathison, Halvorson, Christianson, Overgard

----Sources: Thorp Courier (Thorp, WI.) June 13, 2007

Mathison, Gerhard "Gib" (June 19, 1919 - June 10, 2007)

Gerhard "Gib" Mathison, age 87, passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Victory Hospital on Sunday, June 10, 2007.

A service of celebration will be held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Stanley on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Linda Dutton officiating. Internment will be at East Side Cemetery, Stanley, WI. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Plombon Funeral Home and Thursday one hour prior to services at the church. Plombon Funeral Service of Stanley, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gib was born on June 19, 1919 in Eau Claire; WI to Ole & Anna (Halvorson) Mathison. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI. The family moved to the Stanley area where he farmed with his parents. Gib met his future wife, Esther Norma Christianson, while working at Scott’s Dairy. He later worked on a ranch in Montana and came home to marry Esther on October 7, 1941. They farmed for 50 years in the Town of Worden where he served on the Stanley-Boyd School Board. Esther and Gib moved to the City of Stanley on their 50th wedding anniversary and celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2006. He was a longtime member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and had served on the church council. He was also active in the Lutheran Brotherhood.

Gib resided at Oakbrook Health & Rehabilitation Center for six months and recently at Miller Alternative Care.

Gib is survived by his wife, Esther of Stanley, WI; four sons: Ed (Lois) of Thorp, WI, Roger (Sandy) of Chippewa Falls, WI, Earl (Linda) of Thorp, WI, and Les (Dolly) of Cornell, WI; and one daughter, Diane Overgard of Naperville, IL; plus 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; one brother, Gus (Nola) of Battle Creek, MI; sisters-in-law;: Laura & Mabel; plus many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances and brother, Arnold in infancy.

Gib had a great love for his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also took great enjoyment in fishing.